Collared Lory Breeding Season in Fiji 2024-2025
Known as the national bird of Fiji, collared lories are very playful species of parrots
Best time: December–March
Despite changes to their environment and logging, collared lories persist in Fiji. These little parrots are very colourful with bright green, red, and royal blue plumage that helps to camouflage in the tropical forests though you can observe them in gardens and coconut plantations. They often demonstrate playful and inquisitive behaviour.
They are small in size but have stocky bodies, large heads, and short legs. Their curved beaks help to split solid food, and long tongues quickly sweep up pollen grains and nectar from fruits and flowers.
Their breeding season between July and December is considered a good time to spot these colourful birds. Usually, collared lories lay two eggs. They nest either in the cavities of dead stumps or coconut trees. Collared lories are very caring parents defending their nests from any bird-enemy. They may be found all over Fiji islands, and particularly in the northern parts of the Lau Archipelago.
Practical info
When can collared lories be spotted easily in Fiji, and what is the ideal time to plan a visit?
Collared lories in Fiji can be spotted between July and December, and the best time to visit is from December to March, as Fiji experiences pleasant weather during this time. However, during Fiji's rainy season from November to April, there can be heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones, so one should keep this in mind while planning their trip.
In which parts of Fiji can one find collared lories, and what is their preferred habitat?
Collared lories can be found throughout the Fiji Islands, but they are most commonly found in the northern parts of the Lau Archipelago. They prefer living in tropical forests, gardens, and coconut plantations, and typically nest in the cavities of dead stumps or coconut trees. They are also active defenders of their nest against intruding birds or potential danger.
What is the nesting behavior of collared lories in Fiji like?
Collared lories in Fiji typically build their nests in the cavities of dead stumps or coconut trees. They are caring parents and will protect their nests from potential threats or any intruding birds. They have a strong beak that they use to break apart solid food and a long tongue that collects pollen grains from fruits and flowers. Their diet includes nectar, pollen, insects, and tropical fruits.
What is the typical diet of collared lories in Fiji, and what is their approach to gathering food?
Collared lories in Fiji eat nectar, pollen, insects, and tropical fruits. They gather pollen and nectar using their long, specialized tongue, while their strong beaks help them break apart hard shells. Fiji's plentiful and diverse tropical fruits make up a significant part of their diet, as well.
What are the primary threats to collared lories in Fiji, and what ongoing efforts are being made to reduce those threats?
Deforestation, poaching, and trafficking for the pet trade are threats that collared lories in Fiji face. The Fijian government has created the National Collared Lory Recovery Plan as a conservation effort, while the NatureFiji-MareqetiViti society promotes sustainable forest management and reductions in deforestation to protect the collared lory population and their habitats.
